Our Bowman 40 Cupid has enjoyed a roller coaster ride eating the miles up on route to Mindelo. What she lacks in waterline she makes up with a balanced helm, solid reliability and a surprising turn of speed as the wind picks up. Our strategy has been simple - steer a rumline course after clearing Grand Canaria's wind shadow, with sail plan wing on wing poled out yankee and main (with staysail added to the mix if wind angles allow), reefing as and when to suit the conditions. We haven't changed that strategy in 4 days and just clocked our best ever 24hr run of 182 nms. I should also add that we hit our top speed ever of 15 kts surfing down a wave...quickly followed by reducing sail to reign in the 'excitement'.
That said, sleeping last night for the adults was less than ideal with conflicting swell and wave patterns doing their best to roll the boat and dislodge any unsecure item in the cabin. The kids of course slept soundly through this all.
Yesterday, after three days at sea our oldest daughter Ella (10) found her sea legs at last and our youngest Alexandra (5) was never phased by the lumpy conditions. Audio books, baking, lego, arts and crafts and occasional school has been keeping them occupied. The flying fish, shearwaters and petrels have all been welcome company. Still waiting for a visit from dolphins on this leg.
Today we plan to start fishing. Our very full fridge/freezer has a little more space in case we catch the 'big one'. With just over 200nms to run, excitement is building for activities in Mindelo. So far this boisterous downwind frolic has been a very memorable and enjoyable passage.